How did you come to write your YA genre? If you weren't writing that, what genre would you be interested in exploring?
The novel I signed my agent for is an old-school, fairy tale-influenced, middle-grade fantasy. I didn't have a long, broad history of reading fantasy. But fantasy is what this particular story required, so I dove in. The learning curve has been more of a sine wave, what with getting a grip on world-building, but I think it's making me a better writer and preparing me for...
...the many and several other genres I want to write. As a reader, I'm partial to historicals and horror, so both of those are on my list. But so are science fiction and western. Projects in various phases of their life cycles include several historical YAs (1780s, 1890s, 1930s) and a more contemporary YA horror. I'd like to cross genres, too -- do a historical sci fi or a western horror. I'm peering at some MG ideas to see if they look viable: maybe a series set sometime in (or spanning) the period from 400 to 1500 CE, probably in Eurasia. I'd like to play with media, too, and try my hand at a graphic novel (just the story -- I'm no visual artist).
Be sure to check out Cole's answer from yesterday, then visit Kate tomorrow for her post.
In the meantime, I'm curious: do the genres you write tend to coincide with those you read?
14 ate pie:
Wow. You really read across a broad range of genres! I love experimenting. I totally agree that it makes us better writers.
Variety is the spice of life! :D
Awesome...very eclectic taste you have!
That's a lot of genres! Have you ever considered combining a couple of them in a single story?
Yeah, I'm currently writing YA and my TBR pile is filled with YA. Guess it goes with the territory of teaching English to 8th graders, though. I try to branch out but it doesn't always work!
Wow, that is am impressive list of genres! I love books that mix different genres as well - that is always really fun!
Cole - it really does, I think.
Laura - exactly. :)
Christine - I do love variety.
Sandra - yup, like I said, I hope to cross some of them in future projects. Should be interesting.
Mary - you do have to know your market and what's already out there. Enjoy those YAs!
Kate - love 'em. :)
very interesting. I'm writing a fantasy, and I actually hate reading fantasy. (too many cliches usually). I have found some good ones, but as a genre it really turns me off!
That's really interesting, Dayana, and I know what you mean: my project's a fantasy, but most of the genre turns me off.
You must spend a lot of time on research. Wow!
Oh, man! Western would be awesome! I've always wanted to try one of those too. Great post!
Kat - only when I need something specific, though I love watching historical fic movies.
Bonnie - you should!
I'm dying to write a graphic novel too. I have a couple of great ideas but I can't draw to save my life.
Shaun - I don't have any ideas. :D I just don't want to limit myself to one medium. I like the GNs I've read recently, though one were in the predominant fantasy category. SIN CITY's on my radar; so is SANDMAN.
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